Sheikh Mohammed reviewed the latest projects displayed by real estate and tourism companies across the UAE as well as other investment projects that aim to boost the country’s economy and help create job opportunities.

Commencing his tour, Sheikh Mohammed stopped at the pavilion of Meraas Holding Group and was briefed by its Chairperson Ahmed Mohammed Al Habbai on the group’s latest construction and recreational projects.

Sheikh Mohammed also viewed the group’s "La Mer" project that located at Dubai's exclusive beachfront district Jumeirah in the vicinity of Pearl Jumeirah Island.

​The retail project includes restaurants and shops, but its pedestrians-friendly design offers something different from Dubai's many malls.

"We didn't want to go with the same malls, so we've been looking for something is not there still in Dubai, which is this style of outdoor experience with shops and F&B," explained Delawar.

The development, which won one of the six project categories awarded on the night, was praised by judges for being a great example of a regeneration project that makes good use of a low-rise, mixed-use approach, an approach which one judge described as the shape of things to come.

Delawar described the development as similar to offerings in the United States and in Europe, but unlike anything else in the Middle East.

"The architecture is completely different, you wouldn't find this style of architecture elsewhere in Dubai. Contemporary, modern, but still new. We think we're adding something new to Dubai."

The award presentation was made by Mike Collins, international sales manager for SAS International, an associate sponsor of the event.

Looking to 2013, Delawar said that he believes the market is booming and coming back again.

"Currently as Meraas we are having a massive amount of projects that we are planning for the coming five years."

The Highly Commended finalist in the category was Etihad Towers, entered by Hill International.

The gala ceremony, presented by Du, was the culmination of regional events held in Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia throughout 2012. The awards seek to recognise and reward the best of the region's construction industry, with entry open to developers, contractors, consultants and sub-contractors.

The event was supported by two platinum sponsors: Tekla Corporation and FAMCO.

A full review of all the winners and finalists will feature in a special issue of Construction Week on December 29.

Investment of AED2.2 Billion Earmarked for Development of Movie-Based Theme Park

20 Dec 2011

Meraas, a Dubai-based real estate company, today announced the launch of Dubai Adventure Studios, a movie-based theme park that will be located at its master development in close proximity to the Arabian Ranches intersection.

Dubai Adventure Studios will form Phase-1 of a three-phase project spread across eight million sq. feet. Hosting major US-based movie IPs, the two million sq. feet park will be developed with an estimated investment of AED2.2 billion. Work on the project is scheduled to begin in early 2012 and completed towards the end of 2014.​

The movie-based theme park will comprise five zones featuring the latest-in-technology games and new-generation rides, in addition to hospitality and F&B zones to shape an all-inclusive entertainment destination that meets visitors’ needs.

Sina Al Kazim, Chief Business Development Officer, Meraas Holding, said: “Meraas recognizes the need for a theme park in Dubai that will complement the UAE’s growing popularity as a tourism hub. Dubai Adventure Studios will offer a truly unique experience that will set a distinctive benchmark in the evolution of the theme park industry.

Dubai Adventure Studios will take centre stage at the Meraas stand in the 2012 Arabian Travel Market Exhibition (ATM) that will be held from 30 April – 3 May at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center.

Meraas is a Dubai-based real estate company with operations and assets in the UAE and overseas. It operates with a mission to create integrated master-planned communities that embody global standards of sustainability and quality.​

Meraas Launches Dubai Adventure Studios

Work On Dh2b Chinese Branded Mall To Begin This Year

30 Sep 2011

​Dubai: A massive new development covering eight million square feet on the outskirts of Dubai will help bring more foreign direct investment into the UAE, the developer behind the project said yesterday. Dubai-based real estate firm Meraas Holding will begin construction this year on the Chinese Branded Mall project, after agreeing a Dh2 billion investment with Chinese investment company. The development, which is being built next to Dragon Mart, is scheduled for completion within two years, Sina Al Kazim, Meraas Holding's chief business development officer, said yesterday.

Meraas venture gives event a boost

​The news that the developer Meraas is to build a Dh2 billion mall, three times the size of Dragon Mart, in just 30 months, certainly raised a few eyebrows in the halls of Dubai's exhibition centre​

The news that the developer Meraas is to build a Dh2 billion mall, three times the size of Dragon Mart, in just 30 months, certainly raised a few eyebrows in the halls of Dubai's exhibition centre as Cityscape moved into its final day.

Mohammed visits Cityscape Global 2011

Over 150 local, regional and international real estate firms are showcasing their latest projects and services at the exhibition, currently underway at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).Accompanied by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the visiting Minister of Royal Court in Bahrain Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Sheikh Mohammed visited exhibitors' stands where he was briefed about a number of property development promising projects.Sheikh Mohammed began his tour with a visit to the Dubai Municipality’s stand before visiting Dubai World Central’s pavilion where he was briefed about its latest giant projects being implemented in Dubai Aviation City at Jebel Ali.​

Mohammad takes keen interest in new projects

29 Sep 2011

​Dubai (WAM). His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, yesterday toured the Cityscape Global exhibition that is under way at the Duba International Echibition and Converntion Centre.​

Dubai property on strong footing

Dubai: With three large and diverse projects in Dubai under various stages of development, the government-owned Meraas Development, a member of Meraas Holding, could be one of the busiest master-developers in the emirate.​